Summer Flight Timetable for Flights to Albania
(Version 5 Effective 05 March 2021)
BERAT
The Town of a Thousand Windows
Bridge of Gorica
A bridge with a fascinating history, complex architecture, and a beautifully simple aesthetic style. Built in the centre of the city of Berat, the grandiose Bridge of Gorica is one of the most beautiful Ottoman bridges in the Balkan region and connects the city with the neighbourhood of the same name. This object owes much of its beauty to its very gradual arch, 10m tall, and elegantly extending 130m over across both sides of the Osumi riverbed. It is composed of a total of seven arches, wooden railings, and several small “windows,” which give the arches whimsical facial features, making this bridge a rare sight indeed.
Once spotted, you’ll find it hard not to stop your car by the side of the road in order to admire its beauty close up. As it is with many of Albania’s most famous monuments, a legend surrounds this structure. This grizzly myth involves a young woman being buried alive inside the bridge, in order to ensure that its foundations stand strong forever. Especially proud of having this famous landmark among them, the locals are happy to give illustrious details as to why this bridge is such a rare work of art.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
PW3V+7VJ, Ura e Goricës, Berat, Albania
And scholars seem to agree, knowing all too well the historical significance it holds, also admiring its original design, its simultaneously modern yet traditional architecture. It has possessed an historical appeal for world travellers, who become increasingly attracted to its simple yet complex beauty, usually making records of it in etchings, drawings, and photographs.
Indeed, the very first official mention of the Gorica Bridge was recorded on the travel journals of the famed Ottoman chronicler, Evliya Çelebi. The object was originally built in wood in 1780, by Ahmet Kurt Pasha of Berat, during a time that the two separate communities on each side of the Osum River sought to connect with one another, especially when the neighbourhood of Gorica saw a rise in its population. In 1918, by the end of the First World War, it was damaged from several explosions. Fortunately, the bridge was quickly and thoroughly reconstructed in the 1920s, this time in stone, giving it the shape that it holds to this day.
Berat Castle
Berat Castle, also referred to as the Citadel of Berat and castle quarter, is a fortress overlooking the town of Berat, Albania. It dates mainly from the 13th century and contains many Byzantine churches in the area and Ottoman mosques. It is built on a rocky hill on the left bank of the river Osum and is accessible only from the south. It is situated at an elevation of 214 metres. Encircled by stone walls, with a total of twenty-four watchtowers, Berat Castle is certainly one of the most beautiful in Albania, if not the most beautiful of them all. Its ancient name, dating back to 216 B.C., is Antipatrea.
The view from its fortified courtyard reveals, as it did thousands of years ago, the entire city of Berat, the Osum River, and the old bridge of Gorica. The entrance to the castle, a large gate built on giant rocks, leaves a strong first impression on each visitor who comes across it. Unlike any other ancient castle, life inside its ancient walls continues to this day.
The castle sustains the lives of its inhabitants, a life that is perhaps as isolated as it is privileged from this position
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, 09:00-18:00
ADDRESS
Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001, Berat, Albania
atop the city. What exists inside the castle is an entirely different world from the city of Berat below: its own town with houses, bars and restaurants, churches and bazaars, museums and monuments, surrounded by an especially lush landscape that breathes even more life into this mythical place.
The houses are located on one side of the castle, looking out into the river and the city below. The inhabitants, undoubtedly the most interesting characters of the castle neighbourhood, are also the best unofficial historians of the city. They greet visitors from their doorsteps and share the castle’s history with them, including the stories of the many churches that are still left standing. Only ten of the thirty-five original churches, built since the 15th century, survive today. St. Todri’s Church is decorated with stunning frescoes from the most famous painter of religious art in Albania, Onufri. You may get a better idea of the history of the castle through the church of St. Mary of Vllaherna, the oldest church in the castle.
The “The Dormition of Saint Mary” Cathedral, Katedralja “Fjetja e Shën Marisë”, which remains functional and currently hosts the Museum of Medieval Art, is especially beautiful. Built at the end of the 18th century, it boasts pretty frescoes and intricate artworks even on its floors. Inside this monument, the Iconographic museum of Onufri offers a more complete collection of the talented artist’s works. As with all masters, his colours can only be fully appreciated up close.
For fans of Byzantine architecture, the Churches of St. Trinity, Kisha e Shën Triadhës and St. Michael, Kisha e Shën Mëhillit, both built on cliff edges, are also worth passing through. One of the most unexpected beauties along the walk through the ruins of Berat Castle is the bust of the Constantine the Great. This bust honors Flav Valer Constantine, the Roman emperor of Illyrian origin who was also proclaimed a saint by the Catholic Church. Constantine the Great was the founder of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, as well as the first Christian emperor.
The Red Mosque, Xhamia e Kuqe is a ruined mosque in Berat Castle, Berat, Albania. It is a Cultural Monument of Albania since 1961. According to Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi (1611-1682), the mosque was built under the reign of Bayazid II. It was probably built in the 15th century and was one of the oldest mosques in the country. It was probably built shortly after the conquest of Berat by the Ottomans in 1417. The oldest written record dates from 1431/32.
National Ethnographic Museum of Berat
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town. The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence. The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families.
Opened in 1979, the beauty and unique architectural style of the house in which the museum resides demonstrates the economic and social status of the city’s largest families of more than 200 years ago. The ground floor of the building replicates a traditional medieval bazaar lined with embroidery, woodcarving and metalworks shops, all of which were a primary source of life and commerce at the time.
The house’s front yard displays an old water well, typical for all the residences in Berat. The museum houses approximately 1200 cultural heritage objects, beautifully
placed on window ledges, shelves, or near the white fireplace, all wonderfully decorated by ethnographers.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday–Saturday,
15 October- 30 April, 09:00-16:00
1 May to 14 October, 09:00–18:00
Sunday, 09:00-14:00
ADDRESS
PX52+24M, Berat, Albania
The spaces and objects make the visitor feel at home, placed on window ledges, shelves, or near the white fireplace, all wonderfully decorated by ethnographers.
The spaces and objects make the visitor feel at home, like the house guests once upon a time, and simultaneously transported to another time. The Museum’s second floor, dedicated to displaying the locals’ lifestyle, is divided into different rooms. The main ones are the guest room, where guests were welcomed and entertained, the kitchen, in which the day’s meals were prepared, and the work room, where the hand loom was used to thread clothes and tapestry.
The balcony, covered in woollen throws, a local handicraft product, also contains small household objects that were used on special occasions. A particularly interesting part of the interior is the mezzanine where the women of the house could check in on the status of the guests’ foods and beverages.
The old town of Berat
Berat in Albania is called "the town of a thousand windows". Looking at the beautiful houses "climbing" up the steep hill around the old town, you can't help but notice the seemingly endless number windows. Because Berat is luckily situated in the mountains, the hill also offers amazing bird's eye views.
The UNESCO part of the city, here you can enjoy the typical sights of a medieval town, get lost in the tiny streets, have a meal on one of the amazing restaurants and cafes and take pleasure in absorbing the overall cosy atmosphere without too many crowds of foreign tourists.
The old town gets extremely beautiful after dark with the illuminated houses and the Gorica stone bridge over the river Osum which flows through the amazing Osum Canyon (Berat is a perfect base for the rafting trips to the Osum Canyon).
From the bridge, you'll get the best panorama of the houses stacked tightly one on top of another. What's unique about Berat is the architecture - you would expect
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
PW3X+WVJ, Berat, Albania
such a town in Turkey - not necessarily in Europe - few places in the heart of Europe can boast such an original touch. The houses are virtually built into the stone facade and their walls are painted white which contrast with the reddish-brown roof tiles. Not to mention the hundreds of windows. The pedestrian street just at the bottom of the hill by the bridge has also some amazing examples of how the modern architecture is perfectly incorporated into the old style.
National Iconographic Museum “Onufri”
The National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” is an Albanian national museum dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography in Berat, Albania. The museum is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the castle quarter Berat. The museum features on display 173 objects chosen among 1500 objects belonging to the found of Albanian Churches and Monasteries as well as to Berat.
Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches. This cathedral is one of them, a typical church of three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, you initially find yourself facing the Holy Altar with masterful engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the incredibly lavish and ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one to have survived from the former metropolitan complex.
The iconostasis, created in 1807, the most eyecatching part of the interior of the church, is considered one of the
OPENING HOURS
May–October, Everyday 09:00-18:00
November–April, Tuesday–Saturday 09:00-16:00
Sunday 09:00-14:00
ADDRESS
PW5W+J5F, Berat, Albania
greatest accomplishments of the 19th-century Albanian wood-carving masters. It stretches along the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons as well as twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, objects of reverence and worship, carved in wood and covered in gold. The Museum’s name honours the Albanian master painter of the 16th century, Onufri, who is responsible for a rich legacy of iconography in the country.
The museum contains an immense collection of one-hundred and seventy-three select objects from Albanian churches and monasteries. This museum is spread throughout the many church spaces. The different rooms showcase the best works by the most renowned artists such as, Onufri, Nikolla, Onufri’s son, Onufër Qiprioti, David Selenica, and many more, including some anonymous painters.
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in Berat. Easily accessible, the church located in the historic Mangalem neighbourhood in Berat, on the southern side of the Berat Castle. Because of the steep terrain on which it stands, the castle has a beautiful panoramic view over the historic Gorica neighbourhood, Osumi River, and the contemporary Berat Promenade.
The church, one of the most visited in Berat, is considered to be one of the most well-constructed and best-preserved among the total of twenty-eight churches in Mangalem. Its construction dates back to the end of the 13th century, confirmed by an inscription on one of the church gates with the name of Andronicus Paleologus,
Governor of the Berat province between 1302-1326. The construction is a wonderful representation of Byzantine architecture, where rows of tile and stone are perfectly intertwined. This technique played a crucial role in protecting the object from potential devastating war damages throughout the centuries.
The frescoes adorning the interior walls of the church are
OPENING HOURS
Everyday (Open hours depend on castle open hours)
09:00-18:00
ADDRESS
Castle of Berat, Berat, Albania
all painted by anonymous artists. Though they are somewhat damaged due to age, traces of Biblical scenes depicting Christ and his disciples, elements from the Last Supper, and images of the days and rituals that precede Easter, are all still visible. The entire upper part of the church is dominated by the burnished red colour of Byzantine tiles, culminating in the dome.
The restorations made in 2016 focused mainly on this iconic roof as it was the most damaged part of the entire construction. The gradual intertwinement of red brick with white stone as one moves downward toward the church foundations, gives the church façade an understated, elegant kind of beauty.
Halveti Tekke
The Halveti Tekke within Medieval Centre of Berat, is yet another impressive monument in this complex, and one of the most interesting architectural structures of the city. The tekke was built in the 15th century and restored by Ahmet Kurt Pasha towards the end of the 17th century.
The structure, belonging to the sect of the same name, is located to the east of the King Mosque, in the renowned Mangalem neighbourhood. The tekke is surrounded by a courtyard that includes several konakë, the local term for “balconies.”
Once inside this rare structure, characterised by beautiful woodwork and stunning colours, one sees an anteroom which leads to the prayer room. The walls display beautiful frescoes and the ceiling, the building’s most beautiful part, is elegantly decorated with hues of green, gold, violet, red, and blue.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Teqeja e Helvetive, Berat, Albania
Lodge of wine
This house of wine opened its doors in 2018 and, in a short, year has accumulated a variety of wines from the best 40 wineries in Albania. The creation of Lodge of Wine happened quite naturally, in order to satisfy an increasing local demand and, more so, the international visitors’ growing desire to taste Albanian wines. It is because of this reason that most wines sold here are Albanian. It gives the customer ample opportunity to journey from the north to the south of the country via delectable wines.
As expected, some favourite labels belong to the city of Berat, including the best selections from famous local wineries Nurellari, Çobo and Luani. Some other popular Albanian wines, such as Kallmeti i Arbërit (kallmet is one of the best Albanian grape varieties) and Kantina Bardha, are sold here as well. A label that has garnered much praise recently is that of Alpeta, available here, as well.
While there are countless other wine selections to choose from, in this shop, you can also find various types and bottle sizes of raki (a traditional grape-based Albanian alcoholic beverage that resembles grappa) and the famous Skanderbeg Cognac (Konjak Skënderbeu).
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, 08:00-20:00
ADDRESS
Rr. Veli Zaloshnja L 28 Nentori Berat Berat, 5000, Albania
Çobo Winery
The Çobo family has a long tradition of producing wine, dating back to the early 1900's. When the communist regime took power in 1945, the Çobo family tradition, along with many other traditions throughout Albania, were forced to stop.
Private enterprises were not allowed, therefore ending Çobo's winery. Çobo wine was born out of family tradition. It is also a 100% Albanian product. It is made from all Albanian grown grapes, produced by Albanians, and bottled in Albania. Çobo Winery currently produces five premium wines, Trebiano, Kashmer, Shesh i Zi, Shesh i Bardhë, and E Bardha e Beratit, and two rakis, Raki më Arra and Raki Rrushi.
Albanians have produced wine and raki in their homes for hundreds of years; they are long standing traditions. During communism, these traditions faded. They maintained the tradition through the memories and stories of elder family members. With the advent of democracy in Albania, they revived the passage of their tradition. The winery consists of several vineyards, a
OPENING HOURS
Everyday 09:00-19:00
ADDRESS
Ura Vajgurore, 1001, Albania
winery, the family's house, and a wine presentation and tasting room. Facilities are open for tours and events by scheduled appointment.
St. Michael's Church
The St. Michael's Church is a medieval Byzantine church outside the Kalaja district on a hilltop of the city of Berat of Southern Albania. As part of the Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastër UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church was possibly constructed in the fourteenth century and is dedicated to the Christian archangel of Michael.
The church is relative small in size and was constructed on the south of the Kalaja district on a steep rock. It is a cruciform chapel instilled without any internal support, with a dome on drum and narthex on the west section.
It was built on a cruciform plan with a dome on the top. The walls are characterized by combination of rows of red brick with stone. Inside the temple, the remains of painting walls retains only few trace. A collection of frescoes and icons have been preserved nowadays. In contrast to other churches in Berat, here observed proportions developed a higher level and a tendency to perfecting architectural forms.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Kisha e Shën Mëhillit, Berat, Albania
Osum Canyon
The Osum Gorge is a river gorge in southern Albania, near the town of Çorovodë. The river Osum, which passes through the town of Berat, flows through the canyon. The Osumi river gorge is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Albania. During the spring, high water from melting snow makes it possible to explore the whole length of the gorge from the river.
Spring is also the best time to view the many waterfalls in the gorges, which thunder from above as explorers pass below on boats. The rapids are Class II, so one does not need prior white-water experience to navigate them. At the end of the summer, when the water is lower, the full length of the gorge is not navigable, but there are various walks with opportunities for swimming in various pools and streams. The edges of the gorge have an unusual ecosystem that preserves the greenery on both sides of gorge year-round.
Mediterranean bushes like heath and briar flourish along with a rich flora and fauna. On the slopes of the gorge, erosion has created pockmarked cavern walls with small
OPENING HOURS
Everyday 08:00-20:00
ADDRESS
Kanionet e Osumit, Berat, Albania
caves. Some of the rock formations in the gorge have fanciful names such as the Cathedral, the Eye, and the Demon's Door. The gorge is 26 km (16 miles) long, at an altitude of 450 m. They are thought to have been formed 2-3 million years ago by water erosion. There are many underground passages and unexplored caves throughout the length of the gorge.
It is generally thought that many years ago the river flowed underground, but over time the rock above the river disappeared, creating the current form of the gorge. In the gulf of this gorge that is passed from Osum river in both its sides, outflow falls from different villages which pass in a rock chain. In the slopes of the gorge, erosion has created a rock chain, one of the rarest found in Albanian gorges. The local inhabitants tell many interesting legends, such as those of Mulliri i Babait, Vrima e Nuses and Saint Abaz Ali.
Mount Tomorr
A mountain of many legends, Mount Tomorr is a mountain in southern Albania, reaching an elevation of 2,417 metres above sea level. Tomorr is situated within the Tomorr National Park, which is noted for its diverse species of deciduous and coniferous trees and a great variety of flora. Many endangered species are free to roam and live in this area such as bears, wolf, and birds of prey. Mount Tomorr offers various sports such as hiking, horse or donkey riding, canoeing, and skiing. It is said that from the top of Tomorr you can see the lights of the city Bari.
In Albanian folklore, Mount Tomorr is considered the home of the deities. Morover, it is anthropomorphised and considered a deity itself, envisioned in the legendary figure of Baba Tomor, an old giant with a long flowing white beard and four female eagles hovering above him and perching on his snow-covered slopes. According to German folklorist Maximilian Lambertz, Baba Tomor is the remnant of an Illyrian deity. With its imposing height of 2416 metres above sea level, the beauty and grandeur of this mountain has had an immense influence upon the collective imagination of Albanians throughout the ages.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Skrapar, Berat, Albania
Even mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, there is no shortage of mythology and legend surrounding this mighty peak.
The city of Berat looks over Tomorr in its east, while Mount Shpirag dominates the scenery in its west. Its craggy peaks, dense forests, abysses, and frequent storms make this mountain simultaneously attractive and challenging for mountain climbers. Throughout history, pagan, Christian, and Islamic rituals have all contributed to Mount Tomorr’s status as a holy sanctuary. The deity associated with Mount Tomorr since Illyrian times is called Baba Tomorr, Father Tomorr, the most prominent mythological figure in Albanian folklore. When the English ethnologist Margaret Hasluck climbed the mountain in 1930, she was astonished to find that the prevalent faith among the people centred on Baba Tomorr, much more than on the Holy Bible or the Qur’an.
According to history experts, this cult can be traced back to pagan natural cults, wherein supernatural powers were attributed to natural phenomena in order to explain their mysterious wonders. Finally, a famous legend of a tragic love triangle is told of Mount Tomorr and his brother, Mount Shpirag. As you stand in front of Mount Tomorr, you’ll notice the gaping holes on its surface. Legend says, these were caused by Shpirag’s flail during battle, while Mount Shpirag reveals crevasses, carved out by Tomorr’s sword. The two brothers ceaselessly battled over the love of the same beautiful girl until their death, when they were finally petrified into the majestic mountains you see today. Now, they look over the spectacular Osum River below, which was created by the tears of the doomed heroine.
Nurellari Winery Cellar and Guest House
Located 10km from Berat, otherwise called ‘The Kantina of Albania’, the Nurellari operations are centred around the small village of Fushe-Peshtan. Located on a small plain at the base of the surrounding mountains and hills, the village is the perfect place to cultivate grapes and olives, so that is exactly what the Nurellari family do.
Established in 1995, the kantina sits on the site of what was once a storage facility for food during the communist era. After communism fell, the Nurellari family, including the patriarch Fatsi, and son Levent, have made it their lifes work and passion to help the kantina realise its full potential.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday–Saturday, 09:30-18:30
Sunday 10:00-17:30
ADDRESS
Nurellari Winery, Fushë-Peshtan, Berat Fushe peshtan
Sotira Waterfall
Waters flowing from Mount Tomorr into rugged limestone cliffs create the Sotira Waterfall, one of nature’s spectacles that attracts an increasing number of tourists year after year. Its waters fall from various heights of 20-100 meters, hitting the cliffs below at different speeds and creating an unforgettable, hypnotic scene. Your journey toward Sotira Waterfall begins in the town of Gramsh (district of Elbasan) which, situated only 16 kilometers from the waterfall, is the starting point from where you reach the village of Sotira.
The winding road is unpaved so it may take about an hour to get there. Once you arrive in the small village, you will have to hike for about an hour and a half. The surrounding nature is untouched, bathed in astounding greenery and freshness created by the several springs scattered throughout the trail. At the end, the waterfall appears in all its glory, thanks to a beautiful meadow nearby, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular views and the surrounding scenery. This one is definitely for the virgin nature lovers. The Sotira River, created by the waterfall, flows throughout the surrounding forest, giving
OPENING HOURS
Everyday 08:00-16:00
ADDRESS
Gramsh Sotire Ujvara Sotires, Albania
the already inspiring panorama the perfect frame.
With the right pair of shoes, you may even be able to get closer to the waterfall. A path has been created throughout the years to maximize the whole experience. Here you will find traces of nature in its original, untouched glory. If you have a 4X4, you may choose to use drive there. Otherwise, park your car in the village. There you can grab something to eat or drink at the small village diner/shop and begin your hike.
Bogova Waterfall
If you are looking for the exotic side of Albania, the one of the endless natural spectacles, pristine waters and untouched landscapes, Bogova Waterfall is a must! Situated on the left bank of the Osumi valley, this pearl of the Albanian landscape hides behind dense lush forests.
At a height of 20 meters, the waterfall stands above a pool of crystal-clear waters that is 12 meters in depth. The scenery immerses you in a tropical paradise that seems to be entirely untouched. The sheer clarity of the water, the calming sounds of the waterfall and the green landscape that surround this area give you an idea of how the world must have been in its very beginnings.
In the hot summer months, the temptation to dive into the refreshing water is great but only the truly courageous make it into its very cold temperatures.
OPENING HOURS
Everyday
ADDRESS
Ujvara e Bogovës, Albania
Kasabashi bridge
The Kasabashi bridge is a cultural monument with rare architectural value. Built in the year 1640 by the main architect of the Ottoman Empire, Reis Mimar Kasëm (Architect Kasëmi) whose origin was from the village of Grëmshi in the surrounding area of Mt. Tomorr.
Kasabashi is made of stone that was characteristic of that period. The bridge is 25 meters long, 3 meters wide and has three arches. While the large arch has a diameter of 12 meters, the two other arches are smaller. During Turkish rule the bridge made communication easier with the neighboring provinces of Korça and Berat.
Kasabashi bridge maintains the status of a first class cultural monument.
Breakfast Ideas
OPENING HOURS
Everyday, Open 24 hours
ADDRESS
G68V+749, Çorovoda, Albania
